Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 5 days

The trail starts at an altitude of about 2,800 masl from Km 82 / Piscacucho and traverses the Andes, crossing exciting sites like Dead Woman's Pass which, at 4,200 meters high, is the peak point of the trek.

Other impressive Inca sites are waiting for you such as Wiñayhuayna or "Forever Young" before descending towards the always fascinating Machu Picchu (2,450 m).It takes four days to reach the legendary Inca city and, with the exception of the Dead Woman's Pass, getting to Machu Picchu is not too demanding.

Machu Picchu was built around 1450– 1460 Its construction appears to date to the period of the two great Inca Pachacuteq Inca Yupanqui (1438–1471) and Tupaq Inca Yupanqui (1472–1493). There is a consensus among archaeologists that Pachacutec ordered the construction of the royal estate for himself, most likely after his successful military campaign.

Though Machu Picchu is considered to be a "royal estate", surprisingly, the estate would not have been passed down in the line of succession. It was only used for approximately 80 years before being abandoned seemingly due to destruction of the Spanish Conquests in other parts of the Inca Empire.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Trekking Km 82 “Piscacucho to Wayllabamba”

Walking Distance – 11kms/6.8 miles
Starting Elevation – 2700 meters ASL / 8858.268 feet ASL
Highest Elevation – 3000 meters ASL / 9842.52 feet ASL
Campsite Elevation – 3000 meters ASL / 9842.52feet ASL
Difficulty:Easy/Moderate.
Meals: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner.

Today begins your adventure of a lifetime, the Classic Inca Trail and the Gem of Maras Salt Mines. We will pick you up from your hotel in our private van very early in the morning at 5:30am.

Transfer to Maras and a Wonderfull trek to the Sacred Valley along the Salt mines of Maras, a precious gem: The Maras Salt mines.A myriad of salt crusted terraces precariously nestles against the steep mountain sides, while a steady stream of mineral rich water trickles down with a silent gargling that somehow defies time.

The ponds you ought to know have been in use since the times of the Incas and before an hour trek to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, where our van going to wait to transfer us to Piskacucho, which is called kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins.

On the way, we stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo at 6:30-7am to load up on energy to start the trail. (Breakfast is not included).Upon arrival at kilometer 82 at 11:30am, we will have some time to organize ourselves. At the Inca Trail first control point be ready to show your entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) you should show your student card.

At the starting point of the trail (2720m/8923ft) we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. The first day is relatively easy, warm-up along the Inca flat terrain.

There are great views of the Incan Fortress (‘Huillca Raccay’), the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, (officially called ‘Patallacta’), and the beautiful snow-capped peak of ‘W’akay Willca’ (5860m/19225ft) known in books as Veronica. Our first campsite Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft) in the temperate green valley of the same name , temperatures at night are around 5ºC depending on the month.

During the day, we will enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains Veronica, (5,860m/19,337ft), the lush green valley around us and a myriad of flora and fauna.

Day 2: Trekking “Wayllabamba to Pacaymayuc/ Runkuraqay”

Walking Distance – 16kms/10 miles
Starting Elevation – 3000 meters ASL / 9842.52 feet ASL
Highest Elevation – 4200meters ASL / 13779 feet ASL
Campsite Elevation – 3600meters ASL / 11811.02 feet ASL
Difficulty: Moderate/challenge.
Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities.

After waking up at 5 to 5:30am and enjoying a hot breakfast, we start a steep ascent towards the highest pass, Abra de Warrmihuañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ at 4200m/13779ft.

On this day, you will feel a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top! After a well-deserved rest, we begin the descent where we stop for lunch, which is located at Pacaymayu (3550m/11646ft).

On our way up to the pass, we will be able to see an flock of hummingbirds and a combination of other species of bird life,there will be plenty of time to appreciate the incredible variety of native plants and the ´Polylepis´ or Q’ueuña trees which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 3650m/11972ft! After lunch, begins the second two-hour steep climb to Runkuraqay pass (almost 4000m/13,123ft).

We arrive at our campsite by 5 pm. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC during the night.

Day 3: Trekking “Pacaymayuc to Wiñayhuayna ”

Walking Distance – 10kms/6.2 miles
Starting Elevation – 3600meters ASL / 11811.02 feet ASL
Highest Elevation – 4000 meters ASL / 13123.36 feet ASL
Campsite Elevation – 2600meters ASL / 8530.184 feet ASL
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities and hot showers.

This is the most impressive day so far; keep this in mind as you ascend on day three! We wake up for breakfast at 6am and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’ (meaning ‘Town in the Clouds’). Here we reach the third highest point on the Inca trail (3680m/).

The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!. The Inca site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass.After visiting this site, we continue walking down 3000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive agricultural Inca´s site of Intipata.

After taking some time to visit this site, we continue until we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna. (2680m/8792ft). Today, we will only walk about 4 to 5 hours. We arrive at camping area by lunch time!!, Temperatures during the night are about 12º C.

A short walk from our campsite is the famous Inca's site of ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Even if you are feeling tired after your day’s trek, it´s a moment that you can not miss, the most impressive site on the Inca trail.

Day 4: Trekking “Wiñayhuayna – IntiPunku & Machupicchu guided Tour ”

Walking Distance – 6kms/3.7 miles
Starting Elevation – 2600 meters ASL / 8530.184feet ASL
Highest Elevation – 2700 meters ASL / 8858.268feet ASL
Campsite Elevation –
Difficulty:Easy
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:

At around 4:00am it´s time to wake up, have breakfast and start day 4 on the Inca trail to get to Machu Picchu on time. This is the final part of your journey, arriving by 6:00am to reach Inti Punku or The Sun Gate.

At that point, the stunning Machu Picchu Citadel is in front of us with breathtaking scenery . The reality of what the Inca people must have encountered on their exhausting journey to this extensive temple of Machu Picchu.

At this point, we walk downhill towards the Machu Picchu Citadel (2400m/7872 ft) After walking 40 minutes, we enter the citadel from the top of the archaeological center through the “House of the Guardians”.

From there we are going ahead to the control point where we are going to check in and leave our belongings, Your professional guide will direct you throughout the astounding Archeological place and its main streets. You can wander around the town,squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made from stone.

Machu Picchu is considered as the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom. Once the guided tor is over, you will have free time to explore the site on your own.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu,Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machupicchu Mountain

Walking Distance – 2.5km / 1553.50miles
Starting Elevation – 2400 meters ASL / 7874.016 feet ASL
Highest Elevation – 2700 meters ASL / 8858.268 feet ASL
Campsite Elevation –
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains hike depends on availability; please let us know if you want to add one of these extra hikes at the time of your booking.

Huayna Picchu Mountain

Huayna Picchu is one of the mountains that stands next to Machu Picchu and has amazing views from above. This hike is done after your tour with us and takes 45 minutes to the top and 45 minutes back down. Allow for time to take lots of photos, because the views are incredible.

The Huayna Picchu Mountain is the one that you see behind Machu Picchu on any postcard; its Incan paths hidden alongside the mountain, it may frighten those of you who have a fear of heights. For those of you who struggle with heights you may need to know that you will be steps away from hundred foot plummets into an abyss, and in some places the path can be very steep and narrow. There are times when you need to use security cables to support yourself; it is a challenge for anyone. If you suffer from vertigo or you have a hard time controlling your fear of heights we would recommend taking a different route.
You will have to place reservations 6 months before if you would like one of the 400 available tickets to go up to the Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Machupicchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain is an unforgettable and lesser-known hike above the Machu Picchu ruins with stunning panoramic view of the valley. Reaching ruins is only one part of the Machu Picchu experience.

The other one is climbing the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain at 3,050 meters above sea level for dramatic views of the archaeological center and lush mountains separated by deep valleys and Urubamba River.

A spectacular view of Machu Picchu is, the archaeological site , the lost Inca's city, tells Us a little things about the area, if you don’t see them with a perspective with the surrounding mountains. It’s when you can appreciate the enormous effort of Inca's building a city of 2,430 meters above sea level without using any metal tools or wheel. Why the city was built initially still remains a mystery.

End of our Services

INCLUDES

Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your royal Inca Trail guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. At this time, we will provide you with the duffle bags which will be carried by our Porters. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM, the evening before the trip begins. In case you can’t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time.
Touristic Transport: You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Piscacucho, the starting point of the Royal Inca Trail to Machupicchu.
Adventure Experienced Royal Inca Trail Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the Inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Tour Guide in Machupicchu Cultural Experienced: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. For visit the sacred city of Machupicchu.
Private campsites: Each campsite is carefully choosed for having a very local experience.
- Night 1: Enjoy the 1st night in Wayllabamba on the route Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 2: Enjoy the 2nd night in Pacaymayo on the route Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 3: Enjoy the 3rd night in Wiñayhuayna on the route Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 4: The 4th night in hotel is not included, which is in the town of Aguas Calientes; It is also known as Machupicchu Village; prices of hotels will vary according to your expectations and budget. However, we can offer you the option of joining us at our local accommodation Hotel Encanto Machupicchu (www.hotel-encanto.com) "at no extra cost". Our hostel in Aguas Calientes have double or triple rooms, private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.

Note: It is not usual that the campsites, lodges or hotels change after the confirmation, however it can vary per government regulations and authorization, also for bad weather conditions and maybe because physical condition of our visitors: any changes in this matter ITEP travel will be informing you previously and as soon as possible.

Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
Entry ticket to The Royal Inca Trail
Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Inka Site
Entry ticket to Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu sacred Mountain: 2nd entrance ticket for Machupicchu Inka city which includes the permit for climb the Machupicchu sacred mountain or Huaynapicchu Sacred Mountain. Note: the climb for the sacred mountain is not including a tour guide. The whole path of ascent to the sacred mountain is well signposted and has park rangers from the Machupicchu government. Therefore, the service of a guide is not necessary. However, if you think it is important to have a guide on this route. please contact us
1 Duffle Bag: Duffle bag will be provided as complementary so you can arrange your personal belongings , please in case you need extra porter there will be an extra charge to carry it during the tour please let us know in advance
Professional Trekking Chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all of your delicious meals along our journey on the Trail to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
Meals: 3Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost) Please be in mind (1st breakfast and last lunch is not included”
Boiled Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Tea time daily during the Trek: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide our tea time with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you will not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to clean your hands and every morning will be also a bucket with warm water for washes your personal hygiene.
Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
Train tickets: From Aguas Calientes “Machupicchu village” to Ollantaytambo train station (departure time is confirmed the day of briefing and it´s subject to availability)
Transfer back to Cusco: Private touristic transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 5)
24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use.
Bus Concetur to Machupicchu inca City: Most of the times the wait to board the bus to Machupicchu is from 1 hour to 1:30 min, So we prefer that you decide a day before your visit to the Inca city of Machupicchu. If you wish to take the bus considering the waiting time. Or if you prefer to do the last stretch of ascent walking up 45 to 1 hour "everything will depend on your physical state, after the trekking done".
Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
Day 1: Breakfast: Approx. Usd5 to usd 10.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approx. Usd 20 to 25.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Personal clothing and gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction.
Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

YOU NEED

Original passport (and International Student card (ISIC) if applicable).
Walking boots.
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
Warm jacket, hat and gloves.
T-shirts.
Comfortable trousers.
Sun hat.
Sunglasses.
Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended).
Re-usable plastic or metal water container or camel bags.
Insect repellent.
Toiletries.
Personal medication.
Camera and films.
Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are the best).
Optional Items to Take | Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu 2 Days.
Shorts.
Walking stick (with rubber tip).
Plasters and bandages.
Sandals.
Extra money.
Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes) where the entrance fee at the door is US$4.

RESERVATIONS

For availability of spaces for this service, please contact us info@incatrail.org and we`ll send you detailed information, prices, terms and conditions.

Please keep in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups. All our tours are fully guaranteed, departure every day. Contact us for more information for the tour that you are choosing, or to begin customizing your own itinerary. recommendations:

"ITEP Eco Travel is a tour operator travel agency in Peru and the city of Cusco, We really know what we do and offer, We are well managed, with several offices in Peru and a long list of travel destinations, offering all travel alternatives in Perú, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours and exploring trips to the jungle, for almost any budget”

NOTE: ITEP travel, specializes in organizing the ideal travel plan to Peru, with hotels and destinations that you choose, because we have all confidential and promotional rates. For guidance on how to organize your custom package. Please write us.

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